IMO and WISTA International launch speakers bureau to amplify diversity of voices in maritime
Women in maritime are encouraged to inspire, educate and engage audiences by registering as speakers on the new Maritime Speakers Bureau platform, launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International).
IMO and WISTA International are passionate about ensuring that sector conferences and events have a diversity of thought and inclusive panels are the top way to achieve this. The two organizations have created a new platform, a speaker bank for the women in maritime, intending to end the tradition of all-male speaking panels, sometimes referred to as ‘manels’.
The IMO and WISTA International aim to promote women’s voices in the shipping industry and increase the number of women speakers. This will show more diverse role models and eliminate the excuse that “I cannot find a female speaker”; and simplify the process of finding speakers. It is free to register and use by speakers and organizers.
The Maritime Speakers Bureau website is seeking positive commitment by asking people to sign one or more of its pledges: for speakers; organizers; and sponsors. By signing, they are committing to highlighting where there is a lack of diversity at events and doing what they can to improve things to ensure that maritime events have diversity and inclusion.
How the Maritime speakers Bureau works
Speakers, once registered, can be contacted by the conference and event organizers with their requests via the Speakers Bureau website email system. Speakers are free to accept or decline the invitation to speak. If they decline , they can recommend someone else if they can instead. Conference organizers can search the directory by sectors, subjects and countries.
